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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Sharpe remain a guarded prisoner?

2. To what do the British soldiers put on a brave face?

3. Who do the men think Sharpe is when he arrives?

4. What does Sharpe boil for Helene's skin?

5. About what does Helene give Sharpe condolences?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does La Marquesa do at the start of the battle of Vitoria and who protects her and why was he chosen?

2. Where is Sharpe taken in Burgos and what is the place like?

3. What do the French do at the end of the battle of Vitoria and what does King Joseph do?

4. Why do Sharpe and La Marquesa stop at an inn and what does Sharpe do about it?

5. Where does La Marquesa want Sharpe to take her?

6. What do Sharpe and Harper discover about Helene and what do they do?

7. What does Sharpe do when el Matarife shows up at the inn? How does that end?

8. What do the British cavalry do at Vitoria and how does Jourdan respond? What does Jourdan think of the French prospects at Vitoria?

9. What does La Marquesa do after it is obvious the British have won and what happens to her?

10. What happens after Sharpe enters Burgos?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Though this novel is probably more action driven rather than character driven, obviously there are several characters who make the novel what it is. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Sharpe and Ducos. Include their goals, sense of honor, abilities, and social skills.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Harper and Angel.

3. Thoroughly analyze the character of Richard Sharpe discussing both his strong and weak points and how both affect the outcome of the plot.

Essay Topic 2

Cornwell has tried as much as possible to use historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think this book qualifies as an historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If much of the events in the book are historical, what surprises you about the way the events play out?

3. Do you think the culture of that era is more or less advanced than you imagined? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Choose two of the following and compare and contrast the two people. Include in the discussion their type of leadership, their personality, their morals, and whether you would like to serve under them.

1. Sharpe and Ducos.

2. Harper and Angel.

3. Hacha and Sharpe.

(see the answer keys)

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